www.managedITmag.co.uk 33 DIGITAL SIGNAGE & CONNECTIVITY The cat’s whiskers Advantex provides connectivity and security solution for Black Cat Clubs Advantex, a Gateshead-based Cisco Premier, HPe Silver and Microsoft Gold partner, has executed a transformative IT infrastructure upgrade for Mills Hill Development Limited (MHDL), the power behind the El Gato and Canto restaurant chains. The expertise the singlesource integrator and Internet Service Provider (ISP) was able to bring to the project was pivotal in transforming MHDL’s Manchester and Leeds outlets into Black Cat Clubs, high energy entertainment venues that blend darts, shuffleboard and multiple sports screens. To ensure the ‘always on’, secure internet connectivity on which the Black Cat Club concept relies, MHDL asked its long-standing IT collaborator to design and deploy a robust, scalable technological foundation that would ensure consistent, high-performance connectivity and deliver substantial cost efficiencies. Advantex’s solution, initially deployed at MHDL’s Manchester venue and replicated in Leeds, encompasses a high-capacity WiFi network, dedicated cabled connections for gaming and entertainment systems, and redundant internet transit for ‘always-on’ reliability. This multifaceted approach ensures patrons of the Black Cat Club experience seamless connectivity throughout their visit, enhancing their enjoyment of the venue’s diverse offerings. Centralised security To fortify security and enhance resilience, Advantex, an ISO 9001-accredited and Cyber Essentials Plus company, implemented a centralised security model leveraging Cisco security appliances alongside its own proprietary Security as a Service (SECaaS) offering, supported by Diverse Plus connectivity, with dual circuits in each location to minimise service disruption risks. This comprehensive security approach safeguards both MHDL’s operations and customers’ data, providing peace of mind in an increasingly digital landscape. Commenting on the project, Tony Easingwood, Senior Account Manager at Advantex, said: “Our decade-long collaboration with MHDL has undergone a fascinating evolution. From initial cabling projects to Voice over IP systems and now advanced connectivity and cybersecurity solutions, we take pride in fuelling MHDL’s innovation and expansion.” Mike Smith, HR manager at MHDL, added: “The Black Cat Clubs’ success hinges on superior internet connectivity and ironclad security. Advantex delivered this whilst consistently exceeding expectations, maintaining transparent communication throughout the project.” With the successful launch of Black Cat Clubs in Manchester and Leeds, MHDL is now strategically positioned to expand this innovative concept to other locations, backed by a robust and secure IT infrastructure provided by Advantex. www.advantex.uk.com Personalised experiences Content can be created for individual displays or for sharing across the entire estate, from special offers, restaurant menus and safety messaging to a library of paintings by Gustave De Smet. Because Philips Tableaux displays are portable (they weigh just 3.5kg) and don’t require a power point, potential applications, inside and outside (with protective casing), are almost limitless. Staff can create a setlist of content to be displayed at specific times of the day (i.e. when the menu changes), for in-house marketing (e.g. happy hour, live music) or for business branding during corporate events. They can also react to changing circumstances with ad hoc messages, such as weather announcements, unplanned in-house promotions or congratulatory messages for customers celebrating special occasions. Since installing the displays, the Nenuphar has identified additional marketing opportunities, while also significantly reducing paper wastage and poster printing costs, so much so that Operations Director Guillaume De Breyne considers the project a complete success. “Our new Philips Tableaux digital poster displays fit right into the ethos and the aesthetics of Nenuphar, enabling us to take a more sustainable approach that looks great and enhances our brand,” he said. www.ppds.com Tony Easingwood Advantex has executed a transformative IT infrastructure upgrade for Mills Hill Development Ltd, the team behind the acclaimed El Gato and Canto restaurant chains Key benefits • Less waste: Eliminating the need for paper and ink, as well as printing processes, posters can be updated regularly with less environmental impact. • Zero power: A full colour static image can be shown indefinitely without using any power. Only 0.0025 kWh is needed for an image update (on the Philips Tableaux 4150). • Sleek and stylish: With slim bezels, Philips Tableaux 4150 displays show content in 60,000 colours, including blue. • Connected performance: An Android System on Chip enables easy content updates and secure remote management options.
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